Hooo Hoo! One of my old favorite is coming back onscreen with Season 2! Its Hotaru no Hikiri airing 11 July by Ntv (official site). Not sure if it will be as hilariously funny as Season 1 but I sure am looking forward to it nonetheless! And I know I wont be the only one looking forward to it! They have added new cast to season 2, primarily Osamu Mukai as Kazuma Seno.
For those who had seen season 1, you will rem scenes fondly between adorable Amemiyah and her Bu chou (manager)! I just went Ha ha even from thinking about it! LOL
Season 2 Background
Three years ago, the heart of Amemiya Hotaru, the ‘dried up female’, had settled on Takano ‘Buchou’, and the ‘dried up female’ was supposed to have grown up … However, right after that, Hotaru was posted as a project team member to far-away Hong Kong. She is cut off from ‘Buchou’ and devotes herself to work. Then, three years later, Hotaru returns to Japan after finishing the project. She is assigned to the First Planning Department, where ‘Buchou’ belongs, and immediately begins work as one of the team members. However, both the staff as well as the mood in the company have changed a great deal. The planner, Seno Kazuma, who seems to be a frivolous guy, leaves work at precisely 5.00 p.m. because he is on a ’9 to 5 contract’. Another junior colleague, Sakuragi Mika also quickly goes back once she has “finished her own work”. Yamada and Futatsugi Shoji, who are aware of the development between the two of them, whisper to each other, “Once a man and woman are separated for three years, they will no longer be like they used to,” as they watch Takano and Hotaru.
“A person will change after three years. I am different from the person I was at that time. You’re the only one who hasn’t changed. What have you done these 3 years?” ‘Buchou’ leaves Hotaru to chew on his words and goes to meet another mysterious woman....
Just finished watching Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku (夏の恋は虹色に輝), starring Arashi's Jun. Frankly, canx say I am impressed nor intrigued with the first episode. It's a little weak and boring, with little to captue my imagination.
The story revolves around Jun's character trying to be an actor but failing due to his stiffness before the camera. However, rather than self reflect, he seem to be pushing to blame on his famous actor father who died in ep 1. I suppose it will be the female lead who will help him to find his grounding and find his direction. She told him that his father's love is like the rainbow after the rain, shining on him always. So he should stop being so self absorbed and blamed his failure on his dad's fame.
I wasnt drawn to the female lead, and personally, Jun is still a little weak in acting dramas outside the comedy or manga genre. I will prob get hatemails from fan but I still have to put it out there, Jun still lacks the depth of a serious actor... I dun dislike him but I often find it hard to be drawn into his character. Even in Bambino where he was playing a role of an aspiring chef, while I like him there, it was more like I like his supporting cast more to hold my attention.
So I guess this may be one drama I may or may not tune in regularly, depending on my time. All I can say, I am not hopeful...
Hooo Hoo! One of my old favorite is coming back onscreen with Season 2! Its Hotaru no Hikiri airing 11 July by Ntv (official site). Not sure if it will be as hilariously funny as Season 1 but I sure am looking forward to it nonetheless! And I know I wont be the only one looking forward to it! They have added new cast to season 2, primarily Osamu Mukai as Kazuma Seno.
For those who had seen season 1, you will rem scenes fondly between adorable Amemiyah and her Bu chou (manager)! I just went Ha ha even from thinking about it! LOL
Season 2 Background
Three years ago, the heart of Amemiya Hotaru, the ‘dried up female’, had settled on Takano ‘Buchou’, and the ‘dried up female’ was supposed to have grown up … However, right after that, Hotaru was posted as a project team member to far-away Hong Kong. She is cut off from ‘Buchou’ and devotes herself to work. Then, three years later, Hotaru returns to Japan after finishing the project. She is assigned to the First Planning Department, where ‘Buchou’ belongs, and immediately begins work as one of the team members. However, both the staff as well as the mood in the company have changed a great deal. The planner, Seno Kazuma, who seems to be a frivolous guy, leaves work at precisely 5.00 p.m. because he is on a ’9 to 5 contract’. Another junior colleague, Sakuragi Mika also quickly goes back once she has “finished her own work”. Yamada and Futatsugi Shoji, who are aware of the development between the two of them, whisper to each other, “Once a man and woman are separated for three years, they will no longer be like they used to,” as they watch Takano and Hotaru.
“A person will change after three years. I am different from the person I was at that time. You’re the only one who hasn’t changed. What have you done these 3 years?” ‘Buchou’ leaves Hotaru to chew on his words and goes to meet another mysterious woman....
So what will happen between Buchou and Hotaru?
Gonna watch episode 1 now. Review later! Meanwhile I leave you with a season 1 recap vieo clip!
If you like to read my review for season 1, read here
For Season 2 epsiodes reviews, read here
Suffering from withdrawal symptoms after the korean series "You are beautiful (YAB)" has ended last Thursday... the curtains are drawn but I am seriously still missing that drama. After "My name is kim sam soon" and "Goong", this is the next romantic comedy collectible DVD box set I am Dying to lay my hands on.
Of late, I discovered I am watching K-drama more than J-drama. Surprise surprise...
Firstly, before I delve into YAB, I have to confess I didnt know any of the actors in the drama when I first started watching. I'm not a pop idol fan, and I dont care for it either. Drama are entertainment and I just expect to be entertained.
However slowly I found myself rooting for the lead actor Hwang Tae Kyung (played by JGS). I dont even know who Jang Geun Suk was until this drama, but he played this role really well. Though through the eyes of a tough outback or ruby-playing dude, the Korean guys here might come across alittle androgynous..
What I liked about this drama is that it really spoiled me. The episodes just get better and better each week without those big dragging-its-feet moments. Yeah, maybe occasionally here and there for couple of mins but overall, I havent had a romantic comedy series which had me so glued for a long time. Not to mention, a fantastic OST to boot.
My friend's friend know JGS, as in the real actor and didnt like him. Well some stupid thing about him being "arrogant" and stuff when they first met a few years back, but do I really care? No, not really because his personal life is none of my business and I just think he did a great job in this drama considering he is only 21-22yrs. A lot of potential for a young actor who is seemingly versatile and willing to try different roles. He started out with a chubby innocent face in earlier drama, and has grown to a more sharpen manly feature in this. How many guys can carry that "Elvis" hair do and a dark eyeliner without looking cheesy or grotesque, he might be the first Asian dude to pull it off, looking rather suave for me too.
(I dont really think JSG is cute esp with the cherubic smile, but he sure has a certain X-cool factor when dressed rite, thrown in some cool accessories. Check out the Etude house CM-MV)
A lot of girls go googoo-gaga over JGS and think the world of his songs, which frankly border on average for me. He is a better actor than singer, though I have to give him credit for the last scene for the YAB drama, where he sung "What should I do" while desperately scanning for his love one hidden in the crowd. That has to be his best song to date, and presumably further voice coaching in the cards will render him a better singer than before.
What is it that propel this actor to garner such accolades and love from his young raving female fans in this drama "You are beautiful"? Ditching his "cool" pop celebrity persona aside, I suppose JGS has successfully captured the essence of HTK to perfection- a sensitive guy hiding the fragile "abandoned" soul beneath the arrogant, haughty protective disguise, while maintaining a degree of his unique brand of humour. JGS has given depth to the character with his credible performance. JGS has given this role the flesh and soul with his at times petulant, at times self centered, and at times funny performance that leaves his fans rooting earnestly for him.
The whole team including other actors had also gel well giving superb performance in expressing the role they are tasked with. From FT Island - Hongki also deserve mention. He isnt just playing mere supporting role with mediocre acting, rather, he portrayed the "adorable" Jeremy, to the guy who was in "raw" pain very well. I wont say more as that will ruin the moment for people who hasnt seen the show.
Shinwoo, need I say more. The cutest of the lot, the "prince" who is self indulgent in his romantic grandeur moments...., and the split second of still-pain when he was caught off guard... for a new actor, it was truly worth a pat on the back.
Last but not least, Park who plays Go MinNam is an excellent choice. Who could not root for her. Our sweet, naive and a little dense GMN is so adorable esp when she is willingly "bullied" by her crush. She doesnt makes u want to wallop her for those fumbling moments, but rather she makes you want to cheer for her. This is Park's success in giving the character the convincing simplicity, naivety that draws much laughter without ever rolling your eyes thinking she is a wimp.
The success in the script is the not too conventional lines and moments that goes truly well with the character development. Have I said already how spoilt I am by YAB, that makes me wanting more and never disappointed?
If this review doesnt convince you to go straight out and grab the DVD the minute it is out, then wait a little longer to bite the dust as the rest of the world to go crazy over it when it finally air on local TV. (though I would hate listening to local sub versions because they can never reenact the korean actors themselves)
I love this new series. It's hilarious. Hiro and Shun have amazing chemistry and their dialogue is funny and quirky, esp so for Shun's character So. if you have not started on this series, find time to. It's pretty funny to see these 2 guys "bickering" in the middle of their cop work! Watch raw video sources: - Veoh video - ep 2 - Pandora video - ep2
Tokyo Dogs Ep2 Summary
The episode starts with recap from last episode where the kidnapper rather shot himself to death.
The new scene opens with So (Shun Oguri) and Maruo (M. Hiro) staking out and "bickering" at a roof top. Maruo was about to head off with the "compulsory search" at the opposite hotel room, but So complained Maruo is so disorganised without any proper planning. So questioned if they should just barged into the room, what should they do if the people in the hotel room possess firearms? So went on with his argument that the girls will be trapped as hostages and a possible shootout may occur with an (unseasoned) bad guy... Maruo couldnt take it anymore. He grumbled outloud that So should stop with his unceasing preaching as they are "killing" him. Maruo further explained that the "dating" scene differs from the "prostitution" scene in states. So retorted Maruo is so naive and the only reason they are here to investigate was due to sources linking the hotel with the secret organisation, so anything could happen.
Maruo then questioned what has So prepared, in which So whipped out a "can bomb" for the door entrance destroy any burglar alarm! Maruo was horrified at the mention of "bomb". "Are you an idiot?! This is Tokyo here!" and he tried to returned the can back to So. So explained the can is to assure the safety of the girls in the room and take control while everyone is caught by surprise. So started to head off but Maruo ended up dragging him to stop him, declaring he (M) cannot do it. So told Maruo that his indecisiveness and lack of action proves Maruo is not suited to be a cop.
"Just like earlier when choosing a bento, you had to take sooooo long!" So stated flatly. "Hey the sweet and sour pork may be good but the gyozai bento also looked good! It is perfectly normal for one to be undecided in such moment!" Maruo quickly retorted back. "Yeah but you kept on endlessly whining 'It's awlful! It's awlful!' about the gyozai! Hadnt the store auntie recommended the sweet and sour pork right from the start?! The SIGNATURE DISH is the sweet and sour pork afterall!!!" So instantly fired back at Maruo. "But my stomach exists for gyozai!!" Maruo pleaded in defence. "There is no such thing as a stomach existing only for gyozai. If u had wished to eat the gyozai sooo much, you could have just ordered a SINGLE SEPARATE ITEM in the set!" So told Maruo off and walked off...
The starting is a recap basically of last week's parting between naoki and riko. Before riko set off, she terminated her mobile line without informing naoki either. She told mai that she wants to concentrate on her music when mai asked her if it was really ok. Meanwhile, naoki heard about riko's coming departure [the next day] from shuji and tried to call her mobile but heard the disconnected message instead. naoki felt a little lost....
meanwhile at the bookstore, riko finished her last day of service. As she was thanking her boss, he wished her all the best for her violin. just then, a lady appeared asking about some books and boss excused himself to get it. Mai was telling the lady could be their boss's 2nd wife to riko and stopped when she saw the lady looking at them.
The lady recognised riko as the girl who had previously played a mini concert at the mall. The bookstore appeared and asked what is it and naoki sister explained that last summer, she recalled naoki seemed to have bought a sunflower to present to one of the concert performer, but in the end, he didnt manage to and gave it to a little kid instead.
omg omg... its out its out. I waited till 5am but nothing was posted and finally its out. let me warn u..the ending is depressing for me....i cannot wait for the 75mins special ep next week...
Naoki bumped into the coach who was leaving the apartment. Seeing the expression on his face, naoki chased after him. Naoki started to apologise for falling for riko. ''i am sorry. I have fallen for riko but its not her fault. we started out just as friend, but i cannot control my feelings, so...''
The coach cut him off. ''naoki. did u know what happened in the room between me and riko earlier. because of u, i had tenderly hugged a crying girl tightly. i dont think you can protect her.'' the coach said.
''no i disagree. i want to protect her. maybe i am not strong enough yet, and always lacking self confidence, and filled with inferority complex, but she knew that me and accepted it, my basketway and way of life, as long as i have her by my side, i can become stronger. she is a very important person to me, so i need to protect her carefully and cherish her. i want us to chase after our dreams together. so, i am truly sorry.'' naoki shared as he bowed politely to the back of the coach in apology and added', ''but i will never let go of her.''
the coach gave a weak smile to himself before turning ard to say in jest. '' u are both indeed a detestable couple. earlier, riko has said exactly the same thing to me.''
the episode basically started from last week when riko yelled from the window, telling naoki not to tell her things like let's not see each other anymore. when naoki dashed up to her apartment and hugged her tightly. he apologised to her, saying that he has fallen for her. riko replied that she has fallen for him as well, and that she doesnt want to be apart from him anymore. hearing that, naoki looked at her and gave her another deep passionate kiss but riko pulled away suddenly because she heard mami's footsteps and panicked.
Mami asked Riko why was she high in the middle of the nite at 3am when riko welcomed her back merrily. meanwhile, naoki was still hiding in riko's room. he peeked out from the window and looked at the court from her perspective. at the same time, mami wanted riko to give a birthday speech...
the video is out...and i was screaming my head off towards the ending... i soooooo wanna die..i mean the picture below..need i say more. haaaaaa haaaaa. well, i have been complaining that naoki lack of expression is killing the mood, well, he sure made a come back this week..adrenaline rush for me... [more]
generally its a pretty good episode. i simply love riko, she is so adorable here esp the part when she went ''oh i forgot my bra'' and her excited girl look when she realised that it was naoki's mobile she picked up...hilarious.
when she tried to convince herself that she doesnt like Naoki, and went muttering ''Í DONT LIKE HIM'' continously, i was like...no no no, like him like him....he is YOURS...
buzzer beat episode 4 summary
the scene starts at the beach, where riko excitedly shared with mami her discovery, that naoki is the guy whose mobile they had returned and he was the guy they had seen running after the bus. riko started to say it was destiny, and mami agreed it was indeed destiny, but that naoki is the cupid that brought riko and the coach together. that said, it dampened riko's mood as that obviously was not what she had in mind. mami noticed the visible change in her expression, expressed in shock that riko wasnt thinking that naoki is the ''destined man '' did she? riko of course immediately denied thinking so [ though her downcast expression states otherwise].
Previously, I had put off watching this drama because I know it was going to be sad. I am not a person who really want to watch TV to get sad. However, something that day pushed me to try and I figured what do i have to lose if i watched and dont like it, i can always stop. Till today, I AM GLAD I WATCHED IT.
This is possibly the only drama i have watched that made me teared in every episode. The message is unconsciously powerful about the love of a mother, and how the different mothers struggles with her emotional turmoil, ranging from hatred, shock, self doubting, self questioning, self reproach.
The story plot is simple enough, that a bright adorable boy Kiyotaka in 2nd year elementary school was apparently senselessly killed, and worse, by another quiet well behaved boy Tomoya in his 4th year in elementary school.
The victims family was shocked and the mother was left with guilt that it was her fault that she came home too late by 15mins resulting in the unforseen tragedy. The other question was also, why my son. what has my little boy done to deserve such a death.
The culprits family on the other hand was racked with shock, and guilt as well but of a different kind. Both family struggle to cope with the difficult path laid before them as they confront the truth of what had happened.
In the drama, we journeyed through with both family, as they struggled with the loss and reality of the society. The society is undoubtingly harsh and unforgiving to the murderer's family, and the mother was tormented with questions at how her beloved son could do such a thing, robbing another child of a life. The family then took an introspective approach at everything they had done, from raising their kid, to the sort of resentment that had built up unconsciously.
Meanwhile, we also understand the importance of balanced child-raising, preventing trouble shooting off one's mouth. And how when one makes mistakes, its the whole family that suffers along with it especially a mother.
One of my favorite lines below struck a deep chord with me was the victim's mother grappled with the horror of losing her son. ''I can spend several million hours through the nights and days, taking care of my little boy, but nothing I do can ever take back that mere 15 mins, to bring my son back.''
I love this drama for many reasons.
The story is well scripted and executed, and we go through the same emotional cycle as the mother searched for the truth behind his son's crime. It is easy to get lost in her emotions, and her confronting the facts of how her actions may have indirectly be the root of the crime. One cannot but feel the sorrow, and self blaming as the mum did, even if you are not a parent because we all have mothers and the drama is simple enough for u to relate to another's emotion.
This drama is worthy of your time, I truly truly recomend it. Dedicated to all great mothers, and to remind us how communication in a family is always important, and how one member often tries to protect or even hurt one another in every little way unknowingly.
Should you decide to embark on watching this drama, get a few tissue packs on hand. I cannot imagine anyone who can possibly complete 10 episodes without shedding any tears. Once in a while, we need such human drama to remind us the complexity of life, and how we should never take your family for granted.
Akai Ito episode 09 is up! However it is definitely not my fav ep. I soooo hate Mami and she didnt die. What a waste! Oh well, watch epsiode and review here
Finally caught up with Akai Ito Summary for episode 07. It was so nice to be able to watch the drama on TV proper in Japan for a change. For summary and video, here it is!
Yeah!!! Akai Ito Episode 5 is out!! The suspense is building up!!
Akai Ito Episode 5 Summary
The story begins with a time rewind back to 6 years ago.Young Nishino declined to play softball with his friends so that he can head home early as his mum has promised to make hamburger for him. However .... (read more and watch video)
The episode starts with time rewind back to a 2nd year Sara, at how she lost her mobile phone outside Riku Takashi's ramen store. She was running away from her taunters from the same school. She tripped over the signboard and dropped her mobile.
At the same time, the scene goes back to the shopping mall where Mei was helping her crush to buy the birthday present for her sister....
I have finally finished updating innocent love episode 9 summary. This is a super good episode! Finally a build up though we all already guess what had happened. The exciting part is Kiyoka next week in final episode.....
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Innocent Love Episode 9 Summary
The story starts with recap with Kanon returning to Nagono (her childhood place i think) and rented a place.
She went to prison and her bro asked what was she doing there since he had written to her to sever all ties. Kanon asked why is he lying all these while? "Lie?" The brother asked. Kanon said "That incident was not done by brother right?" Both the brother and the police looked at her....
This new Japanese drama "Akai Ito" (赤い糸 ) - (Thread of Destiny) (official Jap website), got its first airing on 6th Dec 2008 (sat).
Akai Ito" is one of the best-selling books of last year, is being adapted into a drama series and a film. Like "Koizora," it started out as a mobile phone novel and quickly gained in popularity, pushing it into the top 20 of Tohan's 2007 rankings.
I have finished watching the first episode and quite like it as far. I hope it will be nice sweet romance and wont be too tragic like Koizora....though we already know from first episode that Nishino's mum may have poisoned him via drugs or maybe some accidental drug overdose? Hmmm.. anyway, the male lead is super cute and love his smile!!!! (Akai Ito Episode 1 summary)
The victims family was shocked and the mother was left with guilt that it was her fault that she came home too late by 15mins resulting in the unforseen tragedy. The other question was also, why my son. what has my little boy done to deserve such a death.
